Board of Police Commissioners Regular Meeting Agenda (PDF)

Town of Waterford, Connecticut, Police Commission Meeting Agenda
Training Room at the Waterford Police Department
6/13/2022 5:00 pm
Zoom Access: https://usO2web.zoom.us/j/82506832733
Meeting ID: 825 0683 2733 Passcode: 020687
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/ket(MyIpoGK +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Call to order and establish quorum:
Pledge of Allegiance:
Public input:
Acceptance of minutes: May 9, 2022 Regular Meeting and May 16, 2022 Special Meeting
Correspondence:
a. 
Thank you letter from The Friendship School regarding donation of booster seats.
b. 
Commendation letter from LT Silva to Sgt Det Michael Fedor regarding Neighborhood Watch Program.
c. 
Email of appreciation from resident regarding Officer Surdo’s handling of a complaint.
d. 
Thank you note to Officer Barrows from a resident.
e, 
Letter of appreciation to Chief Balestracci regarding his and Traffic Officer Jake Nickerson's handling of a
traffic concern.
f. 
Article “2022’s Best & Worst States to be a Police Officer” written by Adam McCann, Financial Writer.
Traffic Commission Review:
Chief's report:
a. 
K9 Reports for May
b. 
Investigative Services and Youth Reports for May
c. 
Training Report for May
d. Records Report for May
¢, 
Community Service Officer Report for May
f. 
Patrol Report for May
g. 
Animal Control Report for May
h. 
Community Engagement Report for May

Old Business:
a. 
Speed Bumps at the beach
b. 
Chief of Police selection process
New Business:
No new business.

MINUTES
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
May 9, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.
Zoom Meeting ID: 872 2673 5856
PRESENT: 
Chairman M. Gelinas, Commissioner J. Dimmock, Vice Chairman T. Sheridan,
Secretary C. Gamble, Commissioner R. Brule
ABSENT:
DEPARTMENT: 
Chief M. Balestracci, LT N. VanOverloop, LT T. Silva, Sgt. D. Ferland
Traffic Officer J. Nickerson, Training Officer Surdo, CSO A. Reed
LEGAL COUNCIL: Attorney E. Duggan, Attorney R. Avena
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
PUBLIC INPUT:
No public input.
CALL TO ORDER AND ESTABLISH A QUORUM;
Chairman Gelinas called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. in the General Meeting Room of the
Waterford Police Department. A Quorum was established.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Gelinas and seconded by Commissioner Dimmock to accept
the minutes from the April meeting. Commissioner Brule abstained. The motion passed.

CORRESPONDENCE:
Correspondence was reviewed.
TRAFFIC COMMISSION REVIEW:
Traffic report received.
CHIEF’S REPORT:
a. 
19 Reports for April
April report was received.
b. Investigative Services and Youth Reports for April
April report was received.
c. 
Training Report for April
April report was received.
d. Records Report for April
April report was received.
e. 
Community Service Officer Report for April
April report was received,
f. 
Patrol Report for April
April report was received.
g. Animal Control Report for April
April report was received,
h. 
Community Engagement Report for April
April report was received.
OLD BUSINESS:
a. 
Special Response Team Inter-local agreement with Ledyard PD — Chief Balestracci
explained that this agreement allows us to team up with Ledyard in the event of a
major incident. LT VanOverloop will present agreement to the RTM in June.
Discussion ensued regarding liability for providing assistance to non-member
communities.

MOTION: Made by Commissioner Dimmock and seconded by Commissioner Gamble to
approve the agreement with the provision that more details be provided for presentation to the
RTM. Motion passed 4-1, Commissioner Sheridan voting against.
b. 
Speed bumps on Beach Road have been approved by the Recreation & Parks
Commission. There will be a total of three removable speed bumps. No known date
set for installation at this time.
c. 
Airbnb letter to Planning Commission — wording was discussed. Attorney Avena will
edit letter.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Sheridan and seconded by Commissioner Dimmock to
approve wording of letter, Motion passed unanimously.
d. Chief of Police Selection Process - Chief researched department procedures in other
towns and found that there is no standardization across towns. Discussion about
continuing to work on process.
NEW BUSINESS:
a. 
Authorization for out of series transfers till July 8, 2022. Chief Balestracci requested
authorization to complete out of series transfers until the end of the fiscal year.
MOTION; Made by Commissioner Sheridan and seconded by Commissioner Dimmock to
grant Chief Balestracci authorization to complete out of series transfers till July 8, 2022. Motion
passed unanimously.
a. 
Noise Ordinance — Attorney Mark Kepple spoke on behalf of residents living near the
commercial area located at 262 Boston Post Road to address complaints of loud
music and asked for enforcement of the current noise ordinance. Lengthy discussion
ensued about the noise concerns.
b. Police Commission Nominations for term starting June 1, 2022 as follows:
T. Sheridan, Chairperson; C. Gamble, Vice-Chairperson; J. Dimmock, Secretary; M.
Gelinas, Commissioner.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Dimmock and seconded by Commissioner Brule to accept
nominations. Motion passed unanimously.
Rob Brule left the meeting at 6:35pm.
c. 
Executive Session

MOTION: Made by Commissioner Gelinas and seconded by Commissioner Sheridan to enter
into executive session at 6:37 p.m. to discuss union negotiations. Motion passed unanimously.
STATEMENT: | hereby move that the members of the Board of Police
Commissioners, together with Chief Marc Balestracci and Labor Counsel Eileen Duggan,
go into executive session for the purpose of discussing strategy and/or negotiations with
respect collective bargaining with the police bargaining unit. This action is taken
without prejudice to the Board’s right to discuss such matters in a private meeting
pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes §1-200 (2).
The Board came out of Executive Session at 6:56 p.m. There were no motions made or action
taken while in Executive Session.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Dimmock and seconded by Commissioner Sheridan to
adjourn the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by:
Diane Driscoll
Recording Secretary

SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
May 16, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.
PRESENT: 
Chairman M. Gelinas, Commissioner J. Dimmock, Vice Chairman T. Sheridan,
Secretary C. Gamble, Commissioner R. Brule
DEPARTMENT: — Chief M. Balestracci, LT N. VanOverloop, LT T. Silva, Sgt. D. Ferland,
Sgt. T. Gelinas, Set. P. Flanagan, Off. M. Sylvestre, Off. M. Firmin, Off.
P. Epps, Off. R. DiFusco
CALL TO ORDER AND ESTABLISH A QUORUM:
Chairman Gelinas called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. in the General Meeting Room of the
Waterford Police Department. A Quorum was established.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Dimmock and seconded by Commissioner Sheridan to
enter into Executive Session for Lieutenant and Sergeant interviews at 5:01 p.m. Chief
Balestracci was included in the Executive Session. Motion passed unanimously.
The Board came out of Executive Session at 7:55 p.m.
MOTION: Motion made by Commissioner Dimmock and Seconded by Commissioner Gamble
to promote Sergeant Ferland to the rank of Lieutenant effective May 17, 2022 and to continue
the remaining officers on an active promotion list for one year from today’s date. Motion passed
unanimously.
MOTION: Motion made by Commissioner Dimmock and Seconded by Commissioner Gamble
to promote Officer Firmin to the rank of Sergeant effective May 17, 2022 and to continue the
remaining officers on an active promotion list for one year from today’s date. Motion passed
unanimously.

MOTION: Made by Commissioner Dimmock and Seconded by Commissioner
Gamble to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m. Passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by:
Diane Driscoll
Recording Secretary

24 Rope Ferry Road, Waterford, CT 06385 
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Ph: 860-447-4049 
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Tricia Lee 
Kate Ericson 
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May 6" 2022
To: The Town of Waterford staff members:
First Selectman: Rob Brule
Interim Director of Senior Services: Dani Gorman
Waterford Police Chief: Marc Balestracci
On behalf of The Friendship School staff and families, we would like to thank you for your
generous donation of four booster seats to The Friendship School for our students. We
certainly appreciate your generous donation. In fact, just the other day we had a situation
where a family member was picking up a TFS student for the student’s parents and they could
not get the car seat to work. We were able to bring out a booster seat to help the family in this
difficult situation. Having those seats certainly took the pressure off of the student’s relatives
and ourselves.
It was great to partnering with you and we look forward to working together with you again
soon.
We wish you all well!
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Tricia Lee, 
Principal 
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Jenny Dwoker, TFS Assistant Principal
Megan Devaney, TFS School Social Worker
Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children
and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges

WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
41 AVERY LANE
WATERFORD, CT 06385-2819
Marc Balestracci
Chief of Police
May 19, 2022
TO; 
DETECTIVE MICHAEL FEDOR
FROM: 
LIEUTENANT TIMOTHY A, SILVA Stee75
RE; 
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
The Waterford Police Department has had a Neighborhood Watch program for
decades, under your leadership, it has flourished as a direct result of the excellent work you
have done to reorganize, communicate, and prepare the program. This letter is to commend
you on your excellent work in regards to the above referenced program.
A core value of the Waterford Police Department, as stated in the Agency mission
statement, is “To protect and serve the public, prevent crime, and promote professional law
enforcement services to our Community”, This program has made significant strides in each
of those areas as noted in the expansion of the program into new areas of Town.
Your commitment to the Neighborhood Watch program has improved training to
Neighborhood Watch ‘Captains’, allowing these members to understand the communication
process. As these neighborhoods communicate concerns to you, you efficiently address them
through existing channels, such as contacting the appropriate Town Department or Police
Division, or through contact of an outside organization. You have instituted group emails,
telephone, text, teleconference, and/or in-person meetings to provide quick responses or
engage in detailed two-way communication between the Agency and the community, I have
observed you regularly researching statistical data to ensure we are providing the best service
possible, set up traffic assignments with the Patrol Commander, as well as spearhead zoning
and regulatory questions through other Town Departments to obtain an answer for our
resident.
Your leadership role with this program are a credit to you and your abilities and they
uphold the excellent tradition of the Waterford Police Department.
cc: Chief Balestracci
www.waterfordpolice.org

Marc Balestracci
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From: 
Cheryl Todd <cheryitodd78@gmail.com>
Sent: 
Saturday, May 21, 2022 5:40 PM
To: 
Marc Balestracci
Subject: 
Officer Surdo...Bravo Zulu
l 
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization, 
1
| 
Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender's email address and know the
content-is safe, 
i
Dear Chief Balestracci,
This afternoon, Officer Surdo responded to a complaint by my next door neighbor concerning lawn service
being done on my property. I would just like to offer a few words on what a good officer, a gentleman, and a
terrific listener he is. It truly was a much ado about nothing event, and he did his job in a most professional and
courteous manner. With all the negativity of PD’s in this nation, I want to make sure I can highlight the
goodness wherever I can.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Todd

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6/1/22, 9:29 AM 
2022's Best & Worst States to Be a Police Officer
WalletNews 
Blog 
Studies 
Calculators 
Ad Disclosure
& 
, Adam McCann, Financial Writer
é May 9, 2022
Law enforcement is a career that is always in the public eye, whether for heroic reasons or scandal.
Currently, our nation’s 800,000 law enforcement officers have even more of a spotlight than usual,
though. To start, for the past two years they have been in charge of enforcing COVID-19 restrictions.
In addition, there have been quite a few recent high-profile police brutality cases, including officers
found guilty for federal civil rights violations leading up to the death of George Floyd. President Joe
Biden’s State of the Union speech also called for the nation to “fund the police” with better training
and resources.
Even when the U.S. isn’t in the middle of a pandemic, being a police officer is significantly more
dangerous than many other occupations. Because of such risks, law-enforcement agencies must
offer enough incentives to attract and retain officers. To start, there’s a $66,020 mean annual wage
and typically a generous benefits package which can include retirement-contribution matches,
tuition assistance, ample leave time, a take-home vehicle, and access to health and fitness facilities.
How well officers are compensated varies from place to place, though, as does the quality of their
work environment. Officers are more likely to be attracted to police departments that steer clear of
scandal and corruption and that are transparent with their communities.
In order to determine the best states in which to pursue a law-enforcement career, WalletHub
compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 30 key indicators of police-friendliness.
Our data set ranges from the median income for law-enforcement officers to police deaths per
1,000 officers to state and local police-protection expenses per capita.
Table of Contents
GC) Main Findings
3) Ask the Experts
hitps:/Awailethub.com/edu/best-states-to-be-a-cop/34669 
42

6/1/22, 9:23 AM 
2022's Best & Worst States to Be a Police Officer
Main Findings
~
EMBED ON YOUR WEBSITE
Best States to Be a Cop
Total. Opportunity 
Law Enforcement 
Job
Overall 
& 
we 
| 
Hazards &
State 
Score 
tas 
Training 
;
Rank? 
| 
- 
Competition 
: 
nN 
Protections
i 
¢ 
6 
_ 
Requirements + 
3
1 
Connecticut 
59.91 
18 
1 
7
2 
California 
5797 
| 
16 
: 
2 
13
3 
Illinois 
56.95 
5 
6 
21
4 
_ 
Disttictof 
| 56.66 
{ 
3 
49
Columbia
5 
Maryland 
56.34 
3 
7 
8
6 
Massachusetts 
55.46 
3 
12 
14
7 
Minnesota 
52.96 
| 
6 
18 
| 
4
https://wallethub.com/edu/best-states-to-be-a-cop/34669
22

6/1/22, 9:29 AM
10
11
12
| 
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
i
State
Colorado
Ohio
Maine
Georgia
New York
Tennessee
; 
Delaware
South Dakota
j 
New
Hampshire
Texas
| 
New Jersey
Pennsylvania
lowa
Indiana
Virginia
Rhode Island
Vermont
Michigan
52.65
51.93
50.99
48.44
46.72
46.64
46.57
45.53
44.76
44.37
44,21
43.75
43.58
43.35
42.98
42.93
42.86
42.73
2022's Best & Worst States to Be a Police Officer
&
Competition
a
¥
26
20
28
37
23
tl
29
27
10
M
24
48
31
25
|
Training
Requirements +
7
10
40
24
44
1
39
26
30
14
28
21
38
23
Hazards &
Protections
a
Y
31
26
24
Al
19
38
39
18
16
30
11
10
29
https://wallethub,com/edu/best-states-to-be-a-cop/34669
32

6/1/22, 9:29 AM
2022's Best & Worst States to Be a Police Officer
| 
~ 
& 
. 
| 
Hazards &
} 
State 
Score 
7 
Training 
i 
.
i 
x 
Competition 
: 
, 
| 
Protections
+ 
. 
Requirements 
.
H 
| 
i
| 
|
28 
| 
Utah 
A1.24 
49 
25 
: 
5
29. 
-NorthCarolina 
| 
40.61 
36 
27 
2
| 
3 
i
30 
New Mexico 
39.85 
19 
16 
51
31 
Nebraska 
39.62 
17 
46 
12
32 
Wisconsin 
39,52 
30 
31 
25
33 
Idaho 
39.33 
45 
20 
: 
32
34 
Arizona 
39.08 
22 
32 
27
35 
Missouri 
38.70 
46 
19 
30C~C*~*S
36 
Florida 
38.41 
33 
42 
15
37 
North Dakota 
37.51 
21 
49 
7
38 
Kansas 
37.46 
14 
34 
37
| 
39 
Oregon 
36.99 
34 
At 
23
40 
Wyoming 
36.76 
43 
22 
40
Al 
Alabama 
34.57 
15 
47 
36
42 
Kentucky 
34.16 
40 
29 
42
43 
South Carolina 
33.74 
35 
33 
44
44 
Louisiana 
32.39 
12 
43 
48
45 
Montana 
31.87 
38 
35 
46
|
| 
Ak. 
| 
Navada. 
9102. 
20. 
AQ. 
2A 
|
https://waltethub.com/edu/best-states-to-be-a-cop/34669
42

6/1/22, 9:29 AM
47
48
49
50
51
Note: With the exception of “Total Score,” all of the columns in the table above depict the relative rank of that state, where a
State
Mississippi
West Virginia
Alaska
Hawaii
Arkansas
29,38
29.24
26.91
26.03
25.56
2022's Best & Worst States to Be a Police Officer
&
Competition
a~
vv
50
47
42
44
51
rank of 1 represents the best conditions for that metric category.
Ask the Experts
The future of law enforcement rests in the hands of policy, the availability of resources, and the
relationship between cops and the residents they vow to serve and protect. To advance the
discussion, we asked a panel of experts for their insight on the following key questions:
Training
Requirements +
37
45
50
51
36
1, What is the long-term outlook for the law-enforcement field?
2. Do you think police departments should invest more in technology and equipment or focus
more on developing soft skills for use in community policing?
i
Hazards &
Protections
a
¥
43
35
4]
28
50
3. What measures should police undertake to improve relationships with the community,
especially in minority communities?
4. What strategies have proven effective in diversifying the police force so that it is more
representative of the community?
https://wallethub.com/edu/best-states-to-he-a-cap/34669
5/12

6/4/22, 9:29 AM
Diane Birnholz
Lecturer in Law, University of
California Los Angeles School
of Law; former Assistant U.S.
Attorney, Criminal Division,
Central District of California
READ MORE >
Chidike Il. Okeem
Ph.D. — Assistant Professor of
Criminal Justice, Department
of Criminal Justice, Sociology,
and Social Work, College of
Arts and Sciences — Western
New England University
READ MORE >
Methodology
2022's Best & Worst States to Be a Police Officer
Maria (Maki) Haberfeld
Professor and Chair,
Department of of Law, Police
Science and Criminal Justice
Administration; Academic
Director NYPD Police Studies
Program; Academic Director
Master in Criminal Justice
Executive Law Enforcement —
John Jay College of Criminal
Justice
READ MORE >
Zachary A. Powell
Ph.D. — Assistant Professor,
School of Criminology &
Criminal Justice, College of
Social and Behavioral Sciences
— California State University,
San Bernardino
READ MORE >
Brian N. Williams
Ph.D. — Associate Professor of
Public Policy; Founder &
Director: Public Engagement in
Governance Looking, Listening
& Learning Lab — The
PEGLLLLab, Frank Batten
School of Leadership & Public
Policy — The University of
Virginia
READ MORE >
John J. Sloan Ill
Ph.D. — Professor Emeritus,
Department of Criminal Justice
— University of Alabama at
Birmingham
READ MORE >
More Experts >
In order to determine the best and worst states for police officers, WalletHub compared the 50
statas and the District af Caliimbia acrass three kev dimensians: 1) Onnoartinitw 2 Camnetitian 2)
hitps:/Avallethub.com/edu/best-states-to-be-a-cop/34669
6/12

6/1/22, 9:29 AM 
2022's Best & Worst States to Be a Police Officer
We evaluated those dimensions using 30 relevant metrics, which are listed below with their
corresponding weights. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100
representing the most favorable conditions for police officers.
We then determined each state and the District's weighted average across all metrics to calculate its
overall score and used the resulting scores to rank-order the states.
Opportunity & Competition — Total Points: 33.33
Law-Enforcement Officers per Capita: Double Weight (“7.41 Points)
Note: “Law-enforcement officers” includes police and sheriff's patrol officers, detectives and criminal investigators.
Average Starting Salary of Police Officers: Double Weight (“7.41 Points)
Median Income for Law-Enforcement Officers: Full Weight (“3.70 Points)
Note: “Law-enforcement officers” includes police and sheriff's patrol officers, detectives and criminal investigators.
This metric was adjusted for the cost of living.
Median Income Growth for Law-Enforcement Officers: Double Weight ("7.41 Points)
Note: “Law-enforcement officers” includes police and sheriff's patrol officers, detectives and criminal investigators.
This metric measures the growth of income over time (2020 vs. 2019).
Salary Growth Potential of Law-Enforcement Officers: Full Weight (“3.70 Points)
Note: “Law-enforcement officers” includes police and sheriff's patrol officers, detectives and criminal investigators.
This metric highlights the income growth (Percentile 90 / Percentile 10) that a police officer could obtain during his or
her career.
Projected Law-Enforcement Officers per Capita by 2028: Full Weight (“3.70 Points)
Note: “Law-enforcement officers” includes police and sheriff's patrol officers, detectives and criminal investigators.
Law Enforcement Training Requirements — Total Points: 33.33
Police Officer Hours Training Required: Double Weight (“8.89 Points)
Note: This composite metric considers the number of hours of basic and field training required for police officers,
States Allowing Police Work Before Basic Training: Full Weight (“4.44 Points)
Note: This binary metric considers whether a state allows or forbids palice ta work before training.
Police Officer Continued Professional Education Hours Required: Full Weight (“4.44 Points)
Note: Continued professional education hours include things such as avoiding deadly chokeholds, developing new
strategies, and learning about mentai health concerns. This repeated annual training may influence officer qual’
more than a longer initial course sequence.
Police Officer Education Requirements: Half Weight ("2.22 Points)
htips://wallethub.com/edu/best-states-to-be-a-cop/34669 
72

6/1/22, 9:29 AM 
2022's Best & Worst States to Be a Police Officer
States with Laws Requiring Officers to Be Trained to Respond to Mental Health, Substance
Use and Behavioral Disorder Issues: Full Weight (“4.44 Points}
Note: This binary metric takes Into consideration whether a state has or doesn’t have some form of law requiring
officers to be trained to respond to mental health, substance use and behavioral disorder issues.
Requirement of De-escalation Training: Double Weight (“8.89 Points)
Note: This binary metric considers the presence or absence of “De-escalation training” in a state, De-escalation
training teaches officers to slow down, create space, and use communication techniques to defuse a potentially
dangerous situation. De-escalation training provides officers with strategies to calmly deal with people who are
experiencing mental and emotional crises.
Job Hazards & Protections — Total Points: 33.33
Police-Misconduct Confidentiality Law: Full Weight (“1.52 Points)
Note: This metric measures whether police officers’ disciplinary records are confidential, have limited public
availability or are compietely public.
Police Body-Worn Camera Legislation: Full Weight (“1.52 Points)
Investigation/Prosecution on Use of Force by Police Officers: Full Weight (“1.52 Points)
Note: This binary metric measures whether a state has or has not passed laws relating to the Investigation or
prosecution of use of force. Statutes addressing investigations and prosecution generally fall into two categories, 1)
empowering an entity to conduct investigations and prosecute or 2) outlining procedurally how an investigation must
be conducted.
Police Officer Decertification Requirements: Full Weight (“1.52 Points)
Note: This binary metric measures whether statutory law enforcement decertification requirements are in place In the
state. Certificates are issued by the state government as a requirement to legally work as a police officer in that state.
Police officers who are decertified are no longer legally allowed to work In the Jurisdiction that certified them unless
their certification is reinstated.
Share of Law Enforcement Departments Carrying Naloxone: Half Weight (“0.76 Points)
Degree of Lethal Force Allowed for Police Use: Half Weight (“0.76 Points)
Presence of “Red Flag” Laws: Full Weight ("1.52 Points)
Note: This binary metric considers the presence or absence of “Red flag laws" ina state. “Red flag laws” allow the
seizure of guns before people can commit acts of violence.
Presence of “Blue Alerts”: Full Weight (“1.52 Points)
Notes: This metric considers the presence or absence of “Blue Alerts” In a state. The Blue Alert provides the mee”- to
speed the apprehension of violent criminals who kill or seriously injure local, state, or federal law enforcement
officers.
Police Deaths ner 1.000 Officers: Double Weiaht (%3.03 Points)
https://wallethub,com/edu/best-states-to-be-a-cop/34669 
82

6/1/22, 9:29 AM 
2022's Best & Worst States to Be a Police Officer
Share of Law Enforcement Officers Assaulted: Double Weight (*3.03 Points)
Pursuit-Related Fatalities per 100,000 Residents: Full Weight (“1.52 Points)
Note: This metric includes occupants of the police vehicle, occupants of the chased vehicle, occupants of other
vehicles and nonoccupants.
Violent-Crime Rate: Full Weight (“1.52 Points)
Property-Crime Rate: Full Weight (“1.52 Points)
Road Safety: Half Weight (“0.76 Points)
Note: This metric measures the number of fatal accidents per 100 million vehicle miles driven.
Share of Homicide Cases Solved: Triple Weight ("4.55 Points)
9-1-1 Calls Delivered to Local & Regional Answering Points per Capita: Double Weight (“3.03
Points)
Note: This metric is based on the 2019 National 911 Progress Report and measures the number of 9-1-1 calls delivered
from the national 911 control office to primary PSAPs (Public Safety Answering Points), regardless of whether they
were answered or dispatch occurred, aggregated at the state level.
State & Local Police-Protection Expenses per Capita: Half Weight (“0.76 Points)
Sources: Data used to create this ranking were collected from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor
Statistics, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Projections Central State Occupational Projections,
Council for Community and Economic Research, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, Urban Institute, Institute for American Police Reform, The Officer Down
Memorial Page, Mapping Police Violence, Murder Accountability Project, Ballotpedia, The National
911 Program, North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition, National Conference of State Legislatures,
National Blue Alert System, Institute of Criminal Justice Training Reform, AP News and the Center for
the Study of Occupational Regulation.
Supporting Video Files:
YouTube (for web embedding)
Raw video files (for editing into clips)
Questions & Answers
https://wattethub.com/edu/best-states-to-be-a-cop/34669 
92

WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT TRAFFIC REPORT
e May 2022«
Traffic Complaints:
The Traffic Officer (TO) received numerous complaints for speeding, parking and other traffic violations. These
complaints are directly related to the uptick in summer traffic and are consistently being attended to.
Construction Projects:
Several new plans and revised plans were received and reviewed for housing and commercial projects within the
town.
Display Trailers
The trailers were used to inform drivers of the increase in motor vehicle enforcement and advising them to slow
down and stay off of their phones while driving.
DUI Grant
A sobriety checkpoint was held and approximately 300 operators were interviewed. Several sobriety tests were
conducted but no arrests were made. Due to extreme weather (hail, rain, wind) the checkpoint was ended early
for safety.
Speed Signs
The Traffic Officer was informed by Eversource that we are not allowed to use their telephone poles to attach our
temporary signage. This greatly reduces the ability to use these signs efficiently. T.O. will work with public works
to establish a system to have temporary sign poles installed in high complaint areas. (this goes for the solar signs,
battery signs and battery powered radar device used for speed studies).
Training
T.O. attended a two week long Firearms Instructor course to become a certified firearms instructor held at
P.O.S.T.

Officer Epps
Waterford Police
K9 Usage
May 2022
K9 Neo
| 
Usage Date 
| 
Description 
| 
WPD Case #
5/16/2022 | On the stated date at approximately 0830 hours, K9 Neo participated | CAD# 2022-
ina K9 demo at Waterford High School for Mr. Gamble’s class. 
10831
5/16/2022 | On the stated date at approximately 1015 hours, K9 Neo participated | CAD#2022-
in a second K9 demo at Waterford High School for Mr. Gamble’s 
010831
class.
5/16/2022 | On the stated date at approximately 0900 hours, I conducted a motor | 2022-00812
vehicle stop on a stolen vehicle in the parking lot of 117 Boston Post
Road. During the investigation drug paraphernalia was located on
the operator’s person. K9 Neo was deployed for an exterior and
interior search of the vehicle and no further contraband was located.
5/24/2022 | On the stated date at approximately 1400 hours, K9 Neo participated | CAD# 2022-
in a K9 demo at Great Neck School for the 5"" grade class. 
12015

Waterford Police
K9 Usage
May 2022
Officer
Genung
K9 Ozzy
| 
Usage Date 
Description 
| 
WPD Case #
5/2/22 
K9 Ozzy was requested to the scene of a reported 
Case #: 2022-00740
physical domestic incident to locate a juvenile who
was involved and fled the scene. K9 Ozzy was
deployed for an area search of the wood line across the
street from the condo complex as other involved
parties thought the juvenile went into the woods, but
no one actually observed him do so. K9 Ozzy
searched the wood line and started pulling into the
woods directly across from the driveway of the section
of condos where the incident occurred. K9 Ozzy
pulled through the woods and onto a lightly worn
walking trail leading to the rear of another condo
complex. K9 Ozzy remained head down and tracked
for approximately 100 yards to the rear parking lot of
the condos at 
310 Boston Post Road Waterford, CT.
K9 Ozzy then showed a clear negative, indicating he
lost the track. I casted K9 Ozzy around the area and
he showed no further interest.
The juvenile later returned to the residence and
advised officers that his brother had picked him up ina
vehicle at the location that K9 Ozzy had tracked to.

5/12/22
On 5/12/22 at approximately 2253 hours, K9 Ozzy
was requested to the Waterford Country School to
track a student who threw rocks at staff, their cars,
stated he was in possession of a firearm, and fled into
the woods by the farm. K9 Ozzy was deployed for an
on leash area search and I casted him along the wood
line between the Thomas Bent Shelter and the farm.
K9 Ozzy followed a trail to the farm where he
observed several farm animals in their pens. I
redirected K9 Ozzy back toward to woods and officers
at the Thomas Bent Shelter advised the student
returned. The student was located by my cruiser with
other officers when I returned and stated “I didn’t
know you guys would send a dog after me”
2022-00800
5/16/22.
A K9 Demo was conducted for the early morning
session of the WHS Criminal Justice Class.
CAD#: 2022-0010831
5/16/22
A K9 Demo was conducted for the late morning
session of the WHS Criminal Justice Class.
CAD#: 2022-0010852
5/16/22
A K9 Demo was conducted at Quaker Hill Elementary
School.
CAD#: 2022-0010870
5/25/22
NLPD officers stopped an MV that pulled into a
driveway on Sander St. After speaking with the
operator, who has a known narcotics and firearms
possession history, they observed rubber several small
rubber bands in the center console cup holders and that
the center console appeared that it was out of place.
NLPD officers conducted a search of the vehicle prior
to my arrival and located a loaded firearm in a bag
within the wingspan of the driver. They also
confirmed the location of the several small rubber
bands in the center console and located a large bag of
marijuana elsewhere in the vehicle.
K9 Ozzy was deployed for an exterior and interior
search of the vehicle. K9 Ozzy entered the vehicle
through the driver's door and put his head in the open
center console. K9 Ozzy picked his head up, stood
still, and barked. This behavior is consistent with K9
Ozzy's alert behavior on interior vehicle searches
because he cannot sit.
NLPD officers searched the vehicle by hand and
removed the side panel of the center console where
they located a glass cylinder that was burnt at both
ends hidden inside the console under the gear shifter,
Based on my training and experience I knew this to be
CAD#: 2022-0011844

a pipe used to smoke crack cocaine. No measurable
amounts of narcotics or other paraphernalia were
located.
5/27/22
A K9 Demo was conducted a Great Neck Elementary
School.
CAD#: 2022-0012015
May 2022 Usages: 7
Total 2022 Usages: 20

THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
/ I\ Investigative Services
Division
POLICE
May 2022
During the month of May 2022 Investigative Services Division was assigned or assisted with
24 new cases.
Current Active Investigations (81 Cases):
(These numbers include assist’s to the Patrol Division)
Homicide—1 
Sex Assault—2 
Catalytic Converter Theft - 1
Burglary—7 
Larceny—1 
Untimely—3
Pistol Permits—7 
Fraud—3 
Overdose—1
Background Checks—2 
Child Pornography Case—l _ Firearms Compliance - |
Missing Firearms - 1
Year to Date Statistical Report
Case 
Amount 
Recovered - 
Search 
Sex 
Arrests
Numbers 
Investigated 
Seized 
Warrants 
Assaults
Al 
$26,989.76 
0 
2 
7 
7
Ex-Parte’s 
Auto Theft 
Burglary 
Unattended 
Robbery 
Background
Deaths 
Checks
7 
1 
1 
1 
0 
9

THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
ZN Investigative Services
Division 
POLICE
May 2022
May 2022 Investigations:
Members of the Investigative Services Division were assigned the following new investigations this month:
e 
Suspect entered Zales acting as a legitimate customer and asked to see various pieces of jewelry.
While the salesperson was distracted, the suspect ran from the store with a ring valued at
$23,000.00. Investigative Services responded to process the scene for forensic evidence and
follow up investigation.
e 
Four untimely death investigations. In three of these investigations, the Office of the Chief
Medical Examiner responded and will conduct additional studies to determine cause of death.
e 
Two separate burglary investigations which occurred in the area of Shore Rd. Residences in
each of these cases were unoccupied during the commission of the crime.
e A firearms compliance case was initiated as is standard protocol in situations where a subject of
a restraining/protective order own firearms. During the subsequent investigation, it was
discovered that several firearms could not be located and were presumed to be lost or stolen.
May 2022 Arrests:
In May 2022, Patrol took a complaint for a person in the parking lot of Jordan Brook Plaza taking items from
a vehicle. Investigative Services using information from security cameras searched Waterford, East Lyme
and New London for the suspect. Investigative Services members located the vehicle in New London.
Investigator Zaldivar conducted a field interview with the suspect and was able to elicit a confession. Suspect
was arrested,
In May 2022, Patrol took a complaint for two stolen televisions from Walmart. Using information from
traffic cameras, identifying information on the suspect vehicle was found. Investigator Zaldivar and Officer
Peter Barrows went to an address in Essex, CT, located the vehicle and suspect and arrested him for the
larceny.
Detective Sergeant Michael Fedor attended a training at POST titled, “Developing Next Level Middle
Managers. Class focused on supervising, budget planning, sexual harassment and Incident Action Planning.
Detectives Leigh Bonkowski and Raymond Carroll attending a crime scene photography.
Detective Bonkowski completed and served a search and seizure warrant for Zelle (online bank). This is
related to an online fake ticket scam ($1400.00 loss),

> 
THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT 
WATERFORD
per, Youth Office Activity
Report 
POLICE
May 2022
During the month of May SRO Lane and interim SRO Sylvestre completed
several community and school-related tasks:
SRO Dan Lane (by date):
2- mental health team weekly meeting
2- Student meeting WHS
2- follow up WPD case 22-719
2- follow up WPD case 22-268
2- Pathfinders Program
3- Lockdown drill QH school
3- Student issue WHS
4- Student mediation meeting WHS
4- Student issue WHS
5- Youth Promise OSW
9- Mental health team meeting
9- Pathfinders program
10- Home visit Lloyd RD
10- Youth Promise OSW
10- Parent meeting at CLMS
11- CLMS track meet
16- Mental health team meeting
16- Lockdown drill OSW
16- K9 demo QH schoo!
16- Pathfinders program
16- Sth grade meet and greet at CLMS
17- WPD case 2022-00831 emergency committal
17- Crisis team meeting
19- Youth promise OSW
19- Student home visit Old Norwich RD 2022-011239
23- Mental health team meeting
23- Fire drill CLMS
23- Pathfinders program
24- Youth Promise OSW
24- Student issue inappropriate photos
24- Student fight at lunch
26- Spring range day
26- student issue WHS
26- CLMS school safety committee meeting
27- Parent meeting CLMS
27- Parent meeting WHS
27- Parent meeting CLMS

THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
« Youth Office Activity
Report 
POLICE
May 2022
27- Pride card winner’s luncheon
27- Student issue WHS Student escort home
27- K9 demo Great Neck School
29- Bike fair at WHS
31- Sexting talk 8th grade health class
31- Marine Science day QH school at Waterford Beach
31- Fencing after school program at CLMS
END OF LANE REPORT

THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
ef 
Youth Office Activity
Report 
POLICE
May 2022
SRO Megan Sylvestre
§/3/22 
social media complaint
5/4/22 
teach two of Gambles Criminal Justice classes
5/6/22 
teach two of Gambles Criminal Justice classes
5/9/22 
found license
§/10/22 
issue among 9" grade girls
§/11/22 
9" grade girl issues, snapchat post complaint, social media complaint about a post a girl made
verbal fight, school discipline
§/12/22 
MVACC, follow up with 9" grade girl issues, 12" + 11" grade intimidation/verbal fight, school
discipline
§/18/22 
de-escalate a student
5/19/22 
fight, school discipline
5/20/22 
Two tours of the police department for Mr.Gamble’s Criminal Justice Classes
Credit for Life Fair at WHS, diffuse a potential fight, potential fight diffused,
parent phone call regarding student
5/23/22 
student issue, resolved
5/24/22 
student complaint about video being shown around school regarding previous police
incident. Student only wanted to make the report for the purpose of trying to get the other
student in trouble. After talking to the student and explaining what was being shown was not
illegal, he wanted nothing done about it.
misunderstanding between two students
§/26/22 
Senior Picnic at Waterford Beach
§/28/22 
Senior Prom
§/29/22 
Bike Rodeo at WHS
END OF SYLVESTRE REPORT

THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
Training Report
May 2022
New Officer Updates
POLICE
Hiring Process: The application process for both entry level and certi-
fied police officer is open and scheduled to remain open to August 1.
Recruit(s): Recruit McComic has completed the medical portion of his
training and is Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certified. Recruit
McComic is scheduled to graduate the police academy July 28th.
In-House Training(s): The Waterford Police Department conducted
annual firearms qualification. The state of Connecticut mandates two
hours of firearms training and one hour of Use of Force training annual-
ly. We have always met and exceeded the standard.
Color Guard: Members of the Waterford Police Department conducted
color guard training this month. Training for this detail is monthly and
requires a lot of repetitions to perfect the movements simultaneously.
Sergeant Michael Firmin leads the color guard.
POLICE

THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
Training Report
May 2022 
POLICE
Detective Leigh Bonkowski and Detective Raymond Carroll attended a four-day
Basic Investigative Photography course. The course exposes students to the nu-
ances of crime scene and evidence photography to properly and effectively photo-
document a crime scene.
Sergeant Michael Firmin and Officer Mark Devine attended a two-day course ti-
tled The Unbreakable Cop. The course focused on how to use practical methods to
mitigate and replace negative pressures with positive routines, processes and
practices that will make them safer, happier and more successful as a police of-
ficer.
Sergeant Michael Fedor attended a three-day Next-Level Middle Manager
course. The course focused on the critical areas for those getting ready to transi-
tion to middle management as well for seasoned managers. The course spoke
about following the chiefs vision, managing their role of the organization, main-
taining supervisory control over their direct reports and assisting in building mo-
mentum for the future.
Chief Marc Balestracci attended a two-day Executive training held by the Con-
necticut Police Chiefs Association. The course went over culture and career, medi-
cal concerns of retired police officers, issues related to the police accountability
bill (HB6004) and broke down the January 6th Riot at the U.S. Capitol.
Traffic Officer 
Jake Nickerson attended a two-week Basic Police Firearms In-
structor Training. The two-week course provided information to assist in the de-
velopment of firearms practical skills, state mandates/laws, and spoke about blue
on blue encounters. Officer Nickerson submitted an instructor application for fire-
arms, Decision shooting, low light/no light, Less lethal and Blue on Blue encoun-
ters.
Officer Zachary Bushwack and Officer Christian Charron attended a four-day
Writing Effective L.E. Reports course. The course focused on providing patrol of-
ficers and supervisors a better understanding of best practices in report writing;
proper techniques and strategies to write better reports in preparation for court.

The Waterford Police Department Records Department
Activity for MAY 2022
This activity reflects daily activity for the reporting month inclusive of; administrative and
court paperwork or processing, contact with members of the public, and state or federal
mandated reporting requirements.
Ticket/Written | Freedom of | Motor 
| Warrants | Phone | Walk in 
Background
Warning 
Information | Vehicle | (Entering | calls 
Lobby 
Check
Entries 
Requests | Accident 
or 
Window! 
Requests
Entries | clearing)
266 
256 
76 
83 
| 
279 
231 
9
Protective 
Officer 
Case 
State/Federal | Supervisor 
DCF
Order 
Tasking 
Erasures 
Report 
Tasking 
Requests
Entries 
Requests 
Entries 
Requests
57 
56 
237 
0 
29 
| 
12 
|
Court Request 
Case Copies 
Abstracts
37 
4 
457

CSO Monthly Statistical Report
May 2022
Waterford Arrests 
#
Adult 
16
Juvenile 
0
Total Processed 
16
Fingerprints 
#
Pistol Permits 
14
Employment 
11
Miscellaneous 
0
Peddler / Precious Permits 
1
Total Fingerprints 
26
Firearms 
ft
Firearms Transfer 
50
Pistol Permits Issued 
7
Initial Complaints (3A’s) 
#
Total 
39
> 2 new Community Service Officers, Austin Beebe and Liam Flanagan,
completed the background and hiring process and began training with
fellow CSOs.

Patrol Report / CARes
Town of Waterford
Commissioners Activity Report:
POLICE 
May 2022
“In the Community Interest”
Highlights:
Missing Adult Located in Georgia
On May 26, 2022, officers were dispatched to an address in
Waterford for report of a missing adult individual out of Atlanta,
Georgia. Officer Malbaurn and Sgt Avdevich responded and
spoke to the father of the missing adult, who reported that his
daughter suffers from mental illness and may not be taking her
medication. Officer Malbaurn coordinated his efforts with
various agencies in Georgia and was able to locate the missing
person in a grocery store in Atlanta. Relaying the information to
officers of Atlanta Police Department, they were able to locate
the missing person and send her to the hospital for an evaluation.
Officer Malbaurn’s persistent efforts and communication with
the family and other agencies led to a successful resolution.
Patrol Calls for Service
Monthly Snap Shot:
Total Service Calls
Case Numbers
Arrests
Juvenile Arrests
Larcenies
Arrest Warrants
Domestic Violence
Investigations
Traffic Crash
DUI Investigations
Emotionally
Disturbed Persons
School Checks
Motor Vehicle
Stops
Written Warnings
Infractions
Verbal Warnings
Misdemeanor
2183
179
68
3
26
14
12
57
36
80
382
82
3]
240
20
* SELF INITIATED MOTOR VEHICLE ACTIVILY BY CALL NUMBER *
Incidents by Officer
45 
49
86-Off. Scarpa with 45 stops
87-Officer Donovan with 45 stops
82-Officer Rogers with 33 stops
yoy
FE 
et te
ee
86 
67 
«682 
«665: 
«678 
«9077 
S17, B47 21 
70 
7H 
A 
7S 
HDB 
BD 
7M 
OBB 
OCA2 
40 
1
2 
2 
2 
4 
4
1
67 
65 
Stl 
S18 
44 
56 
S13 
S16

Page 2 
Patrol Report / CARes
High Value Larceny Investigation Leads to Arrest
Officer Scarpa began investigating a theft of approximately $25,000 worth of materials from a
local business in February. The theft was completed by a contract cleaner for the business, and
Officer Scarpa was able to identify the suspect and obtain a written confession. The suspect was
arrested by warrant on May 26, 2022 and charged with Larceny 1" Degree,
Domestic Violence Assault Leads to Multiple Arrests
On May 22, 2022, midnight officers responded to a domestic violence incident in Quaker Hill in
which a female was assaulted and head-butted by her boyfriend, causing injuries that required
medical attention. The male was arrested for Assault 3 Degree and Violation of Protective Or-
der, which was issued as a result of a previous domestic violence arrest. The subject was later re-
leased on bond and conditions of release were issued to have no contact with the victim. The sub-
ject was subsequently re-arrested later that day for 2 separate incidents of contacting the victim in
violation of the conditions of release, and was held on bond.
Disabled MV Leads to Multiple Arrests
On 5/14/22 at 1430 hours Officer Robinson and Officer Rogers responded to a disabled MV on
RTE 32. Officer Robinson quickly identified the two occupants of the disabled MV as suspects
from a previous larceny and evading motor vehicle accident at Home Depot involving a U-Haul
truck. Officers on scene were able to separate the suspects, obtain confessions on several larceny
cases in the region, get consent to search the car, solve the evading accident, and take one of the
subjects into custody for an out of state extraditable warrant. Narcotics were also located and
those charges were added to the case.
Response to Uvalde, Texas School Shooting
In response to the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas on May 24, 2022, the department increased
its presence at all of the schools in town. Officers were stationed at each school during morning ©
arrival and increased the frequency of patrol checks at the elementary schools. Additionally, offic-
ers were assigned to each of the elementary schools during the Town referendum on Tuesday,
May 31st as the schools were in session while voting was open to the public.
POLICE

Monthly Report March 2022
WATERFORD 
EAST LYME
CALLS FOR SERVICE 
86 
42
AFTER HOURS CALL OUTS 
10 
8
DOG BITES 
3 
3
INFRACTIONS 
0 
0
WRITTEN WARNINGS 
0 
0
ANIMALS REDEEMED 
2 
5
ANIMALS ADOPTED 
4 
1
ANIMALS DOA 
0 
1
EUTHANIZED 
0 
0
ANIMALS PROCESSED TOTAL 
5 
7
TOTAL MONEY TAKEN IN 
S$ 
290.00 
$ 135,00
DONATIONS TAKEN IN 
S$ 
110.00 
$ 35.00

1) On 5/12/22 the Waterford McDonalds reported a seagull hanging by his
foot off a light pole 50 feet in the air, with the assistance of Todd Robinson
of the Waterford Public Works, the seagull was removed and only suffered
minor injuries to his foot. After being examined the bird flew off.
2) On 05/21/22 your ACO’s participated in the East Lyme Touch a Truck day,
after several years of covid restrictions, this event had a huge turnout,
special thanks to Melissa Yuchniuk and my #2 son Joey for dressing up in
the dog costume.
3) On 3/12/22 we impounded two huge pit bulls, on 5/13/22 the dogs were
both neutered at no cost to the town by a private rescue group called
Homeward Bound. Hopefully this makes these dogs easier to adopt. Our
shelter NEVER euthanizes animals due to time in the shelter. We continue
to try to find them homes.

THE WATERFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
Community Engagement Report
May 2022
Citizen’s Academy: Participants learned about traffic complaints and drone unit. They
acted in mock scenarios (traffic stops, dispatching, arrest procedures & etc.) at Skills Day.
They graduated with a pizza party and a visit from K-9 Hodges and GTPD K-9 Chase.
Recruiting/Internships: Intern Glenn shadowed day shift patrol. intern Phillips shadowed
day shift patrol, the records department, SRO Sylvestre and Training Officer Surdo. Phillips
watched WPD firearms training. Both had exit interviews with Chief Balestracci. Intern
Rich had her orientation and a department tour. Spoke to students at high school job fair.
Domestic Violence Follow-ups: Conducted 6 follow-ups with domestic violence victims.
K-9 Officer Hodges: interacted with family of homicide victims at NL Court trial. Attended
mental health awareness Hopefest. Visited L&M Hospital and Waterbury Hospital for
Nurses Week, Charter Oak FCU branches for their mental health campaign and local BNI
Chapter. Spoke about service K-9s to New Britain PD and at CIT training. Interacted with
subjects during two walk-in complaints. Attended WHS wellness fair.
Bike R